Balod district in Chhattisgarh has achieved a historic milestone by becoming India’s first officially certified child marriage-free district, under the nationwide campaign “Child Marriage Free India” launched on August 27, 2024.
This success reflects the collective efforts of local administration, panchayats, urban bodies, Anganwadi workers, and communities, demonstrating how grassroots participation can eliminate deep-rooted social evils.
Balod’s Achievement
Zero Cases in Two Years:
- No cases of child marriage reported in two consecutive years.
Comprehensive Verification:
- Certification conducted across 436 gram panchayats and 9 urban bodies.
- Legal and documentary verification ensured compliance.
Community Involvement:
- Families, local representatives, and women-led groups actively participated.
- Awareness campaigns were carried out in schools, villages, and religious institutions.
Technical Support:
- UNICEF provided technical assistance, awareness tools, and monitoring mechanisms.
Goal:
- Chhattisgarh government aims to make the entire state child marriage-free by 2028–29.
Statewide Developments
- Surajpur District: 75 gram panchayats declared child marriage-free.
- The momentum is expanding statewide, with multiple districts replicating Balod’s model.
- Efforts are being strengthened through Anganwadi centres, self-help groups (SHGs), and youth clubs.
Significance of Recognition
- Balod sets a national benchmark for child protection and social reform.
- Demonstrates how grassroots governance + community mobilization + legal enforcement can end social evils.
- Encourages replication of this model across India for sustainable social change.
- Reinforces India’s commitment to global child rights and SDG targets.
Child Marriage in India
Definition
Child marriage is a marriage where the bride is under 18 years and/or the groom is under 21 years, as per the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006.
Current Legal Age (as per PCMA, 2006):
- Male: 21 years
- Female: 18 years
About the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA, 2006)
- Came into Force: 1 November 2007
- Replaced: The Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 (Sarda Act)
- Purpose: To prohibit child marriages (not just restrain) and protect minors’ rights.
- Key Provisions:
- Appointment of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers by state governments.
- Empowerment to prevent, report, and annul child marriages.
- Punishments for promoting or conducting such marriages.
- Objective: Establish a comprehensive mechanism to eliminate child marriage and ensure children’s rights to education and protection.
India’s International Commitments
Balod’s success aligns with India’s global commitments to protect children and women under several frameworks:
| Framework | India’s Commitment |
| UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) | Protects children from harmful practices like child marriage. |
| CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) | Obligates India (Articles 2, 3 & 5) to eliminate discriminatory practices. |
| SDG 5 – Gender Equality | Target 5.3 aims to eliminate all harmful practices, including child, early, and forced marriage, by 2030. |
About UNICEF
- Full Form: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (now known as the United Nations Children’s Fund).
- Established: 11 December 1946
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Primary Role:
- Works in 190+ countries to protect children’s rights.
- Focuses on education, nutrition, health, sanitation, and child protection.
- In India, UNICEF partners with the Ministry of Women and Child Development and state governments for awareness and advocacy programs.
- India’s UNICEF Representative (2025): Cynthia McCaffrey (as of recent updates)
About Chhattisgarh
- Formation: 1 November 2000, after bifurcation from Madhya Pradesh.
- Capital: Raipur
- Districts: 33 (as of 2025)
- Governor: Biswabhusan Harichandan
- Chief Minister: Vishnu Deo Sai (BJP government, as of 2025)
- Major Rivers: Mahanadi, Indravati, Shivnath, Hasdeo
- Tribal Population: About 30%, making it one of India’s most tribal-dominated states.
- Major Social Schemes:
- Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan (nutrition improvement)
- Bastar Net Project (digital connectivity)
- Kanya Vivah Yojana (financial assistance for poor families’ girl marriages — with legal age compliance)
Why Balod’s Model Matters?
- Administrative Leadership: Strong inter-departmental coordination.
- Community-Driven Approach: Active participation of women’s groups, SHGs, and youth volunteers.
- Replicable Model: Balod’s approach is being considered a “template for national replication”.
- Sustainability: Emphasises long-term monitoring and continuous awareness instead of one-time campaigns.
Facts
| Aspect | Details |
| District | Balod, Chhattisgarh |
| Recognition | India’s first officially child marriage-free district |
| Campaign | Child Marriage Free India (launched Aug 27, 2024) |
| Verification | 436 Gram Panchayats + 9 Urban Bodies certified |
| Zero Cases Since | 2 years |
| Supporting Agency | UNICEF |
| State Target | Child marriage-free Chhattisgarh by 2028–29 |
| Law | Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 |
| Legal Marriage Age | 21 (men), 18 (women) |
| Global Frameworks | UNCRC, CEDAW, SDG 5 |
| State CM (2025) | Vishnu Deo Sai |
| UNICEF HQ | New York, USA |
| UNICEF Established | 1946 |